Today we review the new Apple Watch 8 45 mm in midnight navy blue. Consider what innovations Apple can offer this year, and also share our experience of using new items in everyday life.
Packaging and equipment
The buyer is greeted by the usual elongated packaging, inside which there are two boxes of the same shape, but of different thicknesses. One of them traditionally contains:
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable (1m )
- documentation
The second box contains a branded strap, in my case it is a dark blue standard one, also known as Midnight Sport Band 45 mm.
Design and ergonomics
The appearance of the new generation of Watches is no different from the previous one: a waterfall display with minimal bezels, the same button layout and the same smooth, streamlined body shape that set trends for all smart watches since its first appearance. Of the technical changes, only a temperature sensor was added, but more on that below.
Well
Frontend distribution
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A smart watch looks like an expensive and high-quality accessory, and not just like a fitness tracker, especially from the bottom side covered with ceramics and sapphire crystal. This year, the watches in aluminum cases again do not have the classic black color – instead of it, the Midnight color, which is also dark blue. The color is dark enough to make the Watch look like a black accessory most of the time, but under bright lighting it still becomes noticeable that the body gives off blue.
Certification corresponds to IP6X, so that the watch can be submerged under water to a depth of 50 meters, which is more than enough for a simple user. Dust protection has also been present since the previous generation, in this regard it has not changed, since stronger protection was left on the new Apple Watch Ultra model, which will be reviewed a little later. All recent generations of Apple Watches can remove water from the speakers after contact with water using low-frequency sounds. The watch can be set to swim mode to avoid accidental clicks, which is very useful when swimming in the pool , showering or washing hands too vigorously.
With a stock strap, the Apple Watch Series 8 sits perfectly on the hand, without restricting the user and without interfering both in everyday life and during sports. The variability of the straps is expanding every year, so it will not be difficult for the user to choose the right option for themselves, or choose several bracelets to use them depending on the situation. All previous generation bands are compatible with the Apple Watch Series 8 and can even be used with the new Apple Watch Ultra bands if desired.
Display
The smart watch has an OLED LTPO display with a resolution of 396×484 pixels and a peak brightness of 1000 nits. The screen reproduces colors with high quality and detail, the picture is contrasting and saturated even in direct sunlight.
In fact, the same display was installed in the previous generation of Apple Watch – the rounded edges slightly distort the picture around the edges and give the effect of the maximum screen size, although in fact the distance to the case is still quite large. But the frames are not striking, especially with dark dials.
The Always-On Display is clear and informative, even when using dials with a lot of information, the screen remains well readable, which will be a definite plus for every user, but is not a mandatory option, since Watch’s reaction time to raise the brush is still one of the fastest. and quality.
Specifications, interface and functionality
The user is greeted by the already familiar WatchOS 9 interface with neat icons, nice animations and a well-thought-out set of applications. The new OS has improved the compass, improved the emergency alert system and tracking the user’s fall, added new watch faces, and put even more emphasis on tracking workouts and health.
A dual-core 64-bit S8 processor is installed inside the watch. Series 8 comes with 32 GB of storage, of which about 28 GB is available to the user, which is enough for applications and downloading music playlists to listen to music directly from the watch without a smartphone. 
One of the most interesting features of the latest generations is the ability to control AssistiveTouch gestures – in fact, you can control the main functionality of the watch with one hand, which is very convenient and greatly simplifies the life of people with disabilities.
Health, applications and physical activity
The most useful features of the Apple Watch 8 from the Apple Watch SE are a suite of apps and sensors that monitor your health, such as blood oxygen and ECG. This year, the body temperature sensor has been added to the list, which, unfortunately, cannot be used separately to measure temperature. At the moment, you can only use the thermometer in an application that tracks the menstrual cycle in women, which negates the only hardware innovation from the previous generation of watches, at least for men.
Measurement of oxygen in the blood is approximately the same as medical pulse oximeters and lies by 1-2%, which is acceptable, given that Watchi is not a medical device. Heart rate measurements take place regularly, so that the user can track the work of his heart throughout the day, both during physical activity, by the way perfectly tracked by the watch, and at rest.
Of the options for mental health, it is worth noting Reflection and Breathing, added back to Apple Watch 7. An interesting meditative feature that does not carry much practical use, but sometimes helps to unload the brain if the user has worked hard and forgot to take a break.
autonomy
Apple Watch battery life is still quite low. Personally, for me it is not difficult to put them on charge before going to bed, especially since the watch charges very quickly. But if sleep tracking is a priority, you can use a powerful power adapter and charge them in the morning while you drink coffee or wash your face.
Apple Watch Series 8, in my usage scenario, discharges up to 35-40% per day, which is very good when compared with watches older than the 7th generation, but still incomparable with other manufacturers of smart watches and, moreover, with fitness trackers. From 40% to 80%, the watch was charged on average in 15 minutes, so the battery is a critical parameter only for those who are away from electricity for more than a day.
Cost and competitors
To date, the new Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS Midnight Aluminum Case will cost UAH 20,999 . Given the pricing and the lack of significant innovations, you can pay attention to the Apple Watch Series 7 45mm GPS worth UAH 17,499 or the current new Apple Watch SE 2 44mm GPS for UAH 13,699 , if the lack of Always-On Display, ECG measurements and oxygen levels in the blood.
Of the other brands, it is worth noting the quite competitive Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro 45mm for UAH 16,499 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 44mm for UAH 11,499 .
It is also worth remembering the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar for UAH 21,231 , which lives incomparably longer than the Apple Watch, and a simpler, but quite working version of the Amazfit T-Rex Pro for UAH 6,173 .
